Archive for January, 2013
Posted on January 31st, 2013 by pauline
Thanks to 1% FTP recipient ioby for sharing the following article that was featured in The Atlantic Cities on January 21, 2013. The article’s author, Sarah Goodyear, has done a great job of illustrating the hard work that ioby has done in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
A man makes his way through flood waters on a bike in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York, October 29, 2012. (Reuters/Keith Bedford)
A little over a week ago, the NYS 2100 Committee, formed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to recommend a post-Sandy course of action, released its report. As Eric Jaffe noted here at the time, the document drew some criticism for the vague and all-encompassing nature of its recommendations. If you’re looking for more specific solutions to improve resiliency, disaster preparedness, and climate change mitigation in New York City, you can turn instead to a report from ioby, a nonprofit fundraising organization dedicated to environmental issues.
The people at ioby polled a group of more than 380 people immediately after the storm to get their thoughts on how the city could be better prepared for similar events in the future. Participants, who weren’t constrained by the political considerations that a government group faces, included “engineers, architects, energy experts, policymakers, artists, lawyers, business owners, nurses, activists, planners, academics, media and more.” The results were released last week.
So what do the people on the ground in New York’s neighborhoods want to see? They came up with some “big ideas,” including updating the region’s electrical grid; making flood insurance more expensive to discourage building in vulnerable areas; expanding protected wetland areas to create a bigger buffer zone for storm surge; building floating boardwalks along coastlines. (Yes, the oft-discussed oyster reefs are in here, too.)
But it’s their smaller ideas – many of them clearly born of practical experience – that are the most intriguing. A lot of them are cheap and relatively easy to implement. Here are a few of the group’s nuts and bolts suggestions:
-Secure out/indoor pulley systems to deliver food, water and medicine to residents living in the top floors of tall buildings in lower Manhattan.
-Offer emergency training in Russian in Coney Island.
-Install rainwater harvest systems in Red Hook.
-Establish bike “brigades” that can deliver supplies to areas where roads have been washed out during and after an emergency. (Portland, Oregon, is already researching how best to incorporate cargo bikes into its disaster preparedness plans.)
-Distribute solar-powered water heaters after an emergency.
-Educate youth about extreme weather events and vulnerability.
-Create “buddy” programs to account for everyone in an apartment building during and after an emergency.
Several of the recommendations — such as the cultivation of alternative energy sources and an increase in the number of urban gardens — don’t apply only to emergency situations. And maybe that’s the most important message the ioby group is sending. The conclusion of the report puts it this way:
There was a clear sense that resilience during an emergency is closely intertwined with the longer-term strength of communities. That what is good during an emergency is also good for everyday life. For example, the distribution of food from urban farms was discussed as a way to help feed citizens after an emergency. But it was equally discussed as a service to people that live in food deserts that do not have regular access to healthy food, thus reducing poverty—and vulnerability—across the NYC Metro Area.
In other words, we don’t need a disaster to benefit from being a more connected, resilient community. New York, are you listening?
Tags: Hurricane Sandy, ioby, New York City, NYC, The Atlantic Cities
Posted in Non-Profit Recipients
Posted on January 31st, 2013 by Leah
Waitsfield, VT, 1/30/13 — 1% for the Planet and the Mad Marathon are joining forces to host the first marathon dedicated to sustainability. The marathon will showcase and support local and regional environmental non-profit partners and takes place July 7th, 2013 in the Mad River Valley, Vermont.
Dori Ingalls, Race Director for the Mad Marathon, created the “World’s Most Beautiful Marathon” in Waitsfield and Warren two years ago. Since then runners from 48 states and 12 countries have come to Vermont to participate. “The marathon is special because it celebrates our beautiful community and environment” Ingalls notes. “Our partnership with 1% for the Planet with it’s mission to create a healthy planet ensures that the marathon stands for something more.”
Headquartered in the Mad River Valley, 1% for the Planet is a growing global movement of hundreds of member companies all around the world that donate one percent of annual sales directly to approved environmental organizations worldwide. The organization has partnered with the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust to increase environmental philanthropy in New England. “The marathon offers a way to celebrate our local community, our global member businesses and the good work of New England non-profit partnerships that keep the area so beautiful,” says Barbara Friedsam, 1% for the Planet’s Sr. Director of Marketing and New England.
Ingalls has been involved with big races, such as the Ironman and Xterra for years. “I wanted to create an friendly local race experience in the valley I call home. Runners always want to run for a cause and this has been a green course from the beginning. Solidifying the partnership with 1% for the Planet allows the legacy of local environmental stewardship to live in a larger way. We will still continue to support fundraising efforts by runners for other non profits like the Hannah House and the Stern Center but we are sharpening our focus on the nonprofits that keep this region so beautiful.” says Ingalls.
This year, the Mad Marathon has added options for participating with “Take it Easy or Take It Tough”, making the race accessible to teams and families as well as challenging for seasoned marathon runners. “These opportunities align with the message of living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Running the marathon alone or on a team is just one of many ways to do so,” says Friedsam. “We see this partnership as a way to engage people to support environmental organizations and come see why this region is so unique. We’re excited to raise awareness and have a lot of fun along the way.”
About 1% for the Planet
Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet is a platform of credibility and engagement for environmentally conscious brands that are truly committed to making a positive impact with their business. This global movement of more than 1000 member companies in 45 countries donate one percent of annual sales directly to approved environmental organizations worldwide. To date, our network has achieved over 100MM in cumulative giving. 1%FTP annually reviews financial records to certify that member businesses meet their commitment. To learn more go to: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org.
About the Mad Marathon
For more information on the Mad Marathon and Mad Half please visit www.madmarathon.com or email info@madmarathon.com.
Posted in News
Posted on January 25th, 2013 by jon
1% could not end the month without congratulating a couple of amazing new 2013 members. Both TruSweets and Northern Star Partners came aboard on the first of the year and we couldn’t be happier to have them.
TruSweets is a socially responsible company dedicated to making the world’s most flavorful candy using all natural and organic ingredients. They were inspired to join 1% for the Planet because our ingredients come from nature and they are committed to taking care of the earth for the enjoyment of themselves and their families. By working together with other like-minded companies, these efforts can be multiplied. As innovators in the natural and organic candy category, TruSweets hopes to meet organic ingredient suppliers, packaging innovators, and more people who enjoy naturally sweet treats!
The great folks at TruSweets were kind enough to send a couple of samples to the 1% office and they were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Both the Surf Sweets gummy treats and the all natural TruJoy Candy Canes were huge hits. Thanks so much TruSweets!
Based in the Netherlands, Northern Star Partners is dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the quality of all life on earth. It does so by developing and implementing training programs for individuals and organizations that are based on similar work methods and procedures to those used in the cockpits of airliners. As a captain of an Airbus A330, the owner of Northern Star Partners has a solid background in process efficiency. For profit and non-profit organizations are given the chance to work more efficiently and improve their results, while at the same time minimizing their environmental impact.
By integrating “People – Planet – Partners”, Northern Star Partners seeks to forge a commitment with all it’s clients and executes its training programs with the smallest ecological footprint possible. This results in partnerships that exceed the objectives of the training programs alone.
Northern Star Partners believes that the earth and all it’s life forms need help. 1 Percent for the Planet is the organization that helps provide global scale and Northern Star Partners will do it’s part to help. The firm’s consultancy services will be perfect for businesses and professionals seeking to achieve efficiency in terms of both productivity and sustainability.
Thanks go out to both TruSweets and Northern Star Partners for making this commitment. With organizations like these in the network, 2013 should be more exciting than ever!
Tags: membership, new members, north star partners, surf sweets, tru sweets, trujoy, trusweets
Posted in Members, News
Posted on January 17th, 2013 by jon
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
- Winston Churchill
Although, I’m not sure if every member of the 1% for the Planet network would completely agree with this quote, it is one that I think of often when speaking with new members. I have heard the motivation for becoming part of 1% described in various ways, but in the end there’s a general consensus about doing well while also doing what is right. If there wasn’t some intrinsic value in this theory, then there wouldn’t be so many new businesses contacting us everyday. Two of the newest additions to the 1% family are the John Corcoran Law Firm and Goodgood Box.
Owner and Attorney, John Corcoran was kind enough to give us a little insight into his businesses background and his rationale for joining 1% for the Planet. In John’s own words…
One of the books I re-read during 2012 and which has had a big influence on me was Drive by Dan Pink. In Drive, Dan Pink uses 50 years of social science research to explain the “third drive” – that is, the most common motivators for workers today. He found there are three common motivators for most people when it comes to their work – self-autonomy, mastery and purpose. He finds that truly driven, successful and happy people tend to be those who have autonomy over their work, the opportunity to achieve mastery in their work by being challenged on a regular basis, and who have a larger purpose in the work they do.
I realized I have numbers one and two down, but since I started my law firm in 2011, I have not defined a larger purpose. What is the purpose in practicing law? One purpose is helping entrepreneurs and business owners to build their dream businesses. That’s a great purpose. But it’s not all.
I did a lot of thinking during 2012 about what my larger purpose should be. I knew I don’t want to be another lawyer who plugs away for 25 years in a small office then just turns off the lights on the way out. That would be far too boring. I have a bigger vision for myself. After a lot of deep thinking, I decided that my businesses (both the Corcoran Law Firm and the affiliated business, Smart Business Revolution) would join 1 Percent for the Planet in 2013.
I decided to join because participating will allow me to get back in touch with my commitment to environmental causes which I’ve focused on earlier in my career when I worked in politics and public affairs consulting. For example, when I worked in the Clinton White House, one of the subject areas I worked on was environmental issues. Although I played a small role, it was rewarding to be involved in helping to communicate environmental policy at such a high level. Later, I worked as a Speechwriter for the Governor of California, and during the California energy crisis of 2000-2002, was instrumental in the creation of the award-winning Flex Your Power energy conservation campaign. I also served as a public affairs consultant working with various public and private sector clients, including as a consultant to the County of Marin on the successful effort to establish the groundbreaking Marin Clean Energy program.
1 Percent For the Planet membership sends a message that there is a greater goal at work here. The goal is to help entrepreneurs and business owners to build epic businesses, sure. But the larger goal is to do this work as a citizen of the world, to give back to the rest of humanity and to help care for this precious planet to deliver it to future generations. I also sincerely hope that by joining 1% FTP, other larger California law firms will decide to join as well. Many larger firms can have a much greater impact than our boutique firm can. I want my son to live in a world that has abundant forests, clean water, and healthy oceans, and by joining 1 Percent For the Planet, I feel like I’m doing my small part.
Thanks for the inspirational message John! We’re excited to do our part in helping you realize your goals.
Based out of Millwood, Virginia, Goodgood Box also joined the movement in January. Goodgood box is a monthly subscription service that offers all natural, safe, non-toxic products in a convenient box delivered to your doorstep. The company’s mission is to provide a convenient way for those interested in all natural products to discover products they may not have found and ultimately help an individual or family convert to using exclusively all natural, safe products.
We joined 1% for the Planet because of the immediate impact that our donations would have not just on us, but the entire world we live in. The values and mission of 1% for the Planet are exactly in line with what we believe and stand for, and joining to give our support was part of our business plan from day one. We hope to partner and build relationships with as many organizations in the 1% for the Planet family as possible, but especially those organizations that produce or distribute all natural consumer products. We’d like to thank 1% for the Planet for the impact they’re having on the world we live in, and the opportunity to be a part of their family. It’s truly an honor!
In our opinion, the real thanks should all go to our new members. It is these companies’ ambitious commitment to giving back that makes it all possible. We look forward to working with Goodgood Box and John Corcoran Law Firm in 2013!
Tags: good good box, john corcoran, law firm, membership, new members
Posted in Members, News
Posted on January 14th, 2013 by pauline
The following post was written by Martyn Hoffmann, the owner of Pura Vida Ride (member #2754). If you are interested in sharing your giving story on our blog- please email a short post to info@onepercentfortheplanet.org and we will share them here!
2012 was Pura Vida Ride’s first year as a member of 1% for the Planet. For us as a company, joining 1% FTP and committing our money to the environment was putting into action our core beliefs as individuals and as a company.
As we discussed where to put our money, the one requirement that floated to the surface was that we reinvest in Costa Rica and keep our donations local. As a result we found 6 qualified non-profit organizations in Costa Rica that are approved 1% for the Planet nonprofit partners. Rather than us as a company deciding who should receive our donation, we opened it up to our fans, friends, and community to decide. We engaged all of the organizations and their fan bases in a vote to see who should receive the money.
Using Facebook as a social media platform, we put the question to the people over a two-week period. The voting was fierce across the board but two non-profits quickly floated to the top and were neck and neck up until an hour before the voting ended.
We had almost 21,000 people exposed to the voting effort, and 1,909 combined votes amongst all of the organizations. The exposure for each of these organizations was astounding and everyone benefitted from igniting their support base and educating everyone else’s support base about their mission and work in Costa Rica.
At the close of voting, La Paz Community School won with 816 votes, followed closely by Nectandra Institute with 814 votes.
La Paz Community School is non-profit, preschool through high school offering experiential bilingual education to the culturally diverse youth of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
La Paz Community School offers an authentic learning experience in a rural, ecologically and ethnically diverse region of the world. Growing from 50 to 215 students in under six years, La Paz represents a microcosm of sustainable globalization where half of the students come from 25 countries around the world to join together with local Costa Rican youth to learn how to be creative, multilingual, environmentally conscious stewards of their community and beyond.
A dynamic scholarship program includes 25% of the student population and ensures a diverse and talented population. Through paradigm challenging intercultural discourse with members of the school, community, and world, La Paz students are equipped to fundamentally transform the world into a better, more sustainable place for all to live.
In short, this experience was rewarding on so many levels for us, and we are thrilled to continue this tradition of giving 1% back to the planet!
Tags: Costa Rica, Facebook contest, La Paz Community School, Nectandra Institute, Pura Vida Ride
Posted in Members, Non-Profit Recipients
Posted on January 10th, 2013 by jon
We are thrilled to say that 2013 is off to an extremely busy and productive start. It seems that 1% for the Planet membership is on a lot of companies’ to-do lists this year. There’s a tremendous amount of interest and a really interesting and diverse group of potential new members. Two recent additions to our ever-growing list of businesses include Diablo Burger and The Coffee Camper.
Diablo Burger is a local food based burger joint in Flagstaff, AZ (and opening in Tucson, AZ in March of 2013). Our motto is “All About Local,” and our aim is to connect community to ecology through gastronomy — which really is just a fancy word for cheeseburger. We serve 100% local, grass-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free open-range beef from the two ranches that founded the Diablo Trust, a landscape-scale collaborative conservation group dedicated to 426,000 acres in Northern Arizona. The Diablo Trust is an approved 1% for the Planet partner, and our participation in the 1% for the Planet program both formalizes our support of the Trust’s long-term conservation work and legitimizes our foundational commitment to local environmental sustainability efforts. We are very proud to be a small part of the incredible 1% for the Planet network.
Between Diablo Burger’s highly respectable philanthropic work in their local community and their amazing menu of quality foods, you can see why this place is so popular. What’s better than a delicious cheeseburger and helping the planet at the same time. 1% for the Planet is so excited to see this business grow and encourage all of our Arizona fans to try this place out asap!
The Coffee Camper is one of the most original and fun-loving businesses to contact 1% for the Planet in some time. In describing their business, the owners say “we have lovingly restored our 1976 Citroen HY Van and converted her into a mobile coffee cafe, serving up premium quality coffee and freshly baked cakes. You’ll find us at music festivals, sporting events and any other social occasion where the demand for caffeine is strong! For us our greatest experiences have always involved nature, so we feel a responsibility to protect and preserve the natural environment in our commercial activities as well as our daily life. By joining 1% we feel that we are establishing a set of core principles for our new business as well as contributing and helping to make a difference to the issues that we feel passionate about.”
At about 2 o’clock in the afternoon, we would love to see The Coffee Camper pull up right outside the 1% office. Not only does this business provide customers with delicious treats to help break up the day, but with every transaction they will be giving back to important environmental causes.
Thank you to both Diablo Burger and The Coffee Camper for joining our movement. Here’s to a prosperous and meaningful 2013. Is anyone else feeling hungry?
Tags: "1% for the planet", coffee van, diablo burger, membership, new members, the coffee camper
Posted in Members, News
Posted on January 8th, 2013 by pauline
Two weeks ago, I celebrated my first Christmas as a 1% for the Planet employee. It’s been amazing to see the wide variety of businesses and nonprofits in our network that are working toward the goal of making our world a better place! A few months ago I challenged myself to see how many 1% FTP members I could support during the holiday season. It was amazingly easy to find something for everyone on my list and I am proud to say that I way able to support nine of our members (and indirectly supporting hundreds of nonprofits)!
The members I supported this holiday season:
POP Paddleboards – Anaheim, CA
Patagonia – Ventura, CA
Harney & Sons Fine Teas – Millerton, NY
Salsabol – San Francisco, CA
Skinny Pancake – Burlington, VT
Fine Featherheads – Boulder, CO
Klean Kanteen – Chico, CA
Pura Vida Bracelets – San Diego, CA
Planet Petco – San Diego, CA
I’d like to give major props to POP Paddleboards for shipping me one of their awesome “Classico” boards from Anaheim. It was a bit of an adventure to figure out how to get this 10’6” board into my house, as well as where to store it until we can play with it this summer- but we managed! Nick was super helpful and I would highly recommend checking out their products next time you’re looking for an awesome gift.
Created by a family of watermen, POP Paddleboards is an emerging lifestyle brand in the stand up paddleboard (SUP) industry. Characterized by a unique color palette, their range of lightweight, high performance SUP boards are shaped for riders near and far across all bodies of water. Headquartered in Southern California, POP’s mission is to branch out and inspire those near a river, lake, or ocean to stand up and paddle. They want to develop an all-encompassing, inclusive identity for the paddleboarding lifestyle that encourages fitness, exploration, and fun. POP makes their boards easily accessible to the masses via poppaddleboards.com and shops across the country.
POP understands that paddleboarding couldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Mother Nature and her incredible lakes, beaches and scenic backdrops. Partnering with 1% FTP was a no-brainer for the crew at POP, because they have made it their responsibility to ensure that generations to come can experience these moments on the water’s surface. The POP crew is influenced by the 1% FTP network and is excited to see what part they have in making the planet a better place. Like any business, they couldn’t do it without their customers, who are indirectly the engine that drives 1% FTP. They’re excited to work with you to find a board that fits well with your lifestyle- whether it be salty or fresh!
Although I technically got this paddleboard for my mom, I’m definitely looking forward to getting it out on the lake this summer! If only it wasn’t 33 degrees here today… In the spirit of a new year, how about we all make a resolution to support 1% for the Planet members whenever possible. Next time you need some tea, coffee, chocolate, a new jacket, or even a paddleboard, make sure to check out our website to see which companies are giving back to the planet everyday through their 1% FTP commitment. Trust me, you’ll feel good about it!
Tags: Christmas, Fine Featherheads, Harney & Sons, holiday, Klean Kanteen, Patagonia, Planet Petco, POP Paddleboards, Pura Vida Bracelets, Salsabol, Skinny Pancake
Posted in Events, Our Team
Posted on January 7th, 2013 by pauline
It’s that time of year again: the holidays have come to a close, the presents have been unwrapped, and we’ve all eaten enough holiday cookies to get us through 2013.
Back to the grind we go, but not before partaking in one last holiday tradition we have all come to know: the choosing of a New Year’s Resolution. We say we’ll hit the gym more, aim to clean out our closets, and try to be healthier and more balanced in the coming year. Whatever the resolution, we all see the New Year as an opportunity for a new beginning and goals – a new calendar providing the perfect opportunity to switch things up individually or as a business.
It is the perfect time for companies to consider joining 1% for the Planet.
We’d like to encourage a challenge that will start small in New England and one we hope will carry through the rest of the network. In the first half of the year, we’d like to see how many new businesses in New England will pledge to donate 1% of their sales to our nonprofit partners. We think this is a conservative (read: attainable!) goal for the New Year. We have exiting things planned for our 10th anniversary year and it would be great to have new members participate in a meaningful way. Look around our website and see who of your neighbors is already involved – we bet you already know someone who is an active member. We want our network to keep expanding and as companies are setting their goals for the next calendar year, it’s the perfect time to start seriously thinking about giving back to our planet.
Have you thought about getting involved? Talk to us! We’re happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease – your involvement is important to us and your commitment to the program makes a huge impact worldwide.
Here’s to a bright 2013 and an even more impactful network!
Tags: 2013, holiday, New England, New Year, resolution
Posted in New England, News
Posted on January 3rd, 2013 by jon
For the first time in almost two years Vermont has been blanketed with snow that measures more than just an inch or two. Right down to the valley floors, the sidewalks are slushy and there’s icicles dangling from the eaves. Locals and visitors alike have been enjoying fresh powder turns in the mountains and everything once again feels right with the world. What a great way to close out an amazing 2012 and to usher in a 2013 that is filled with nothing but potential. Along with a New Year comes a rush of new member businesses joining the 1% for the Planet network. On January 1st, Tarola Properties, Teak Me Home, and Teneo Media all became official members of the 1% family!
Tarola Properties, located in Tucson, Arizona specializes in renovating and leasing unique and historic properties to University of Arizona students and faculty.
The good people at Tarola spend a great deal of free-time surfing, hiking, biking and fly-fishing. This close relationship with nature encouraged them to do their part in helping to preserve the environment.
By letting their college student tenants know that a portion of their rent is going to support environmental causes, Tarola Properties hopes to instill the idea that we all need to be stewards of the land.
Ready to hit the ground running in the New Year, Taroloa Properties already has plans in place to support the non-profits: Heal the Ocean, The Madison River Foundation, and Sky Island Alliance. We at 1% for the Planet are impressed with the plan this company has in place and we’re excited to help convey this amazing story!
Based in Emeryville, California, Teak Me Home strives to provide its customers with the highest quality handmade reclaimed Teak furniture at wholesale prices.
At Teak Me Home, “we believe that sustainability and corporate responsibility are good for business and essential for the world. Making a difference comes not only by using eco-friendly materials, but we also proudly donate 1% of our total sales to Conservation International to protect forests and help stop climate change.”
When structures constructed out of virgin Teak wood come to the end of their working life and are torn down, beautifully seasoned and air dried reclaimed wood is rediscovered and is ready to be recycled into something new and useful.
From the first sketch to the final product, Teak Me Home works directly with the artisans who build the furniture, eliminating the middleman and saving the customer from unnecessary mark-ups. These relationships allow the company to bring consumers the perfect combination of quality materials, craftsmanship, design, and price.
Teak Me Home’s business model helps to highlight the potential opportunities that stem from a sustainable mission. Not only are these products beautiful and affordably priced, but by repurposing the materials, Teak Me Home is finding a second life for items that would otherwise be discarded. We thank everyone at Teak Me Home for becoming part of the network!
Also joining on the first of the year was Teneo Media of Raleigh, North Carolina. Teneo Media is a digital marketing, commerce, and engagement firm that helps clients forge stronger relationships with their end-users. “Our passion is delivering outstanding service and innovative thinking that challenge the status quo. We craft solutions blending style and substance to create compelling user experiences. Our team comes to work each day looking to turn that opportunity into reality.”
Teneo Media firmly believes that preserving and nurturing environmental resources is an absolute imperative. At a time when commerce and industry represents a threat to these very resources, Teneo Media believes in fostering coexistence between progress and conservation. “We are proud to join 1% For The Planet and its like-minded members in this all-important mission.”
1% for the Planet is just as proud and excited to add you to our ever-growing list of amazing partners! We wish you all a very happy and successful New Year.
Tags: "1% for the planet", membership, new members, tarola properties, teak me home, teneo media
Posted in Members
|
